Ryan Fischer: Grandville High mourns its student-athlete

Update: The Kent County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Ryan Fischer died of an enlarged heart.

GRANDVILLE, MI -- Grandville High School students had heavy hearts Friday as they learned of the tragic death of one of their peers – the district's second student death within a week.

Senior Ryan Fischer 17, died in his sleep on Friday, March 7, according to school officials. Ryan was co-captain for the Grandville High School hockey team, a captain for the school’s football team and played high school baseball.

School district officials learned of Ryan’s death as students arrived at the high school just before 7:30 a.m. Friday. The news of his death quickly spread through the school and social media. Students and staff were informed of Ryan’s death through a video announcement Friday morning, according to a letter that will be sent home with students.

“The outpouring of support from the district, community and neighboring districts has been overwhelming and tremendously appreciated,” GHS Assistant Principal John Philo wrote in the letter. “The parents want to thank the students and staff for their prayers and support and know that the support from the Grandville community will continue in the future. Words cannot express the depth of sorrow and loss that all who knew Ryan are feeling. His spirit and memory will linger at GHS for years to come.”

Prayer services for Ryan and his family will be held at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, in Grandville, where the family are members.

Counselors from the district, as well as neighboring school districts and area church leaders were at the high school Friday to help grieving students cope with their peers’ deaths.

“We’re devastated and heartbroken,” Superintendent Ron Caniff said of the two student deaths. “Kids are quite understandably upset and are grieving.”

Ryan was to lead the high school hockey team into the MHSAA semifinal ice hockey tournament tonight at Compuware Arena in Plymouth. The Fischer family and Grandville High School made the decision that the tournament game should be played as scheduled.

“While the pain of the loss is on the hearts and minds of the team and community, the team and parents feel that the best way to honor Ryan in this difficult time is to compete,” Philo stated in his letter to parents.

A standout student, Ryan was popular, well-respected by his peers and was a person of character and integrity, school officials said. The teen was a member of the school leadership team, National Honor Society and was a member of the student-athlete council for the MHSAA.

He was accepted at West Point and the Naval Academy, and was to begin at West Point in July.

Rep. Bill Huizenga ‏posted on Twitter Friday afternoon stating, "I spoke to Ryan a few weeks ago informing him that both the Naval Academy AND West Point wanted him to attend. Another life cut too short."

“A remarkable young man and just a tragic, tragic loss,” Caniff said. “More than anything, he is loved and respected by his peers in terms of how he treated people. He’s beloved.

“This loss isn’t just our loss. He was a leader and this is a tragic loss for our future as well,” he continued. “Lots and lots of crying kids here today.”